"Arson is a horrific crime that can devastate our environment, destroy homes and properties and cause serious injury or the tragic loss of life, and the delivery of highly specialised resources will help in averting arson attacks in the future."

In 2011 alone there were more than 3000 arson-related offences in Victoria.

Mr Ryan said the development of the taskforce was another weapon in the arsenal of police to fight the crime.

"The establishment of this group of Bushfire Arson and Explosives specialists will improve our capability around the prevention and detection of arson offences," Mr Ryan said.

Yesterday also marked the start of Operation Firesetter, an overt arson deterrent run by Victoria Police that is now in its third year.

Any witnesses or anybody with information regarding the Golden Point fire is asked to contact Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit on